Open Pandora

[Gearmond]

isn't that what pirate DS cartridges are for?

[Companda]

Guys, guys, guys........listen.

Penguins.

Ok?

Case closed.

[Noise...]

You don't have to do everything with code on Linux. I ran Linux for a couple of years and never really learned the code. There are some very easy to use Linux distributions available.

The iPad is a lot bigger. Know what else you can get for $500? A laptop. Doesn't really count.

Not everyone wants to go through the hassle of jailbreaking their device to run things Apple doesn't like.

Sorry, I just hate when something gets posted and someone comes in with "APPLE MAKES A FAIRLY UNRELATED PRODUCT THAT'S BETTER."

I already said the thing is too expensive... I just don't get how an iPad or iPod Touch is a real replacement for it. They're -totally- different. The Pandora is built around gaming. I'm not so much dissing the iPad... I just think you're comparing an iPad to what is basically a more powerful, tricked out Nintendo DS.

That's a good point. I was just looking at it as raw specs and gaming potential.

With linux, there are easier to use Distros, but to do all the things touted by linux supporters, you're getting into command line work. When I used Linux, I had the console open all the time, and when I was using my computer, I was using that console. And that was on Ubuntu.

As said above, if that's the case, why not just get a DS flash cart? Way cheaper, and a DS is cheap as well. I haven't used one in years, so I don't really know the specs, but you can get one used for under $100 all day long.

As for the thing with Apple, I don't really care who makes it. I use an iPad and an iPhone, so they're what comes to mind for me. I know that they can do all the same stuff, so that's why I made the comparison. While I don't jailbreak, it's like two mouse clicks and totally reversible.
They're different in form factor, yeah. But in other aspects, you're looking at one more device that can play games, run emulators, and run linux.

I think one thing we can all agree on is that there are other products, some more similar than others, that can do the same thing for way less money. Whether it's a DS with a flash cart, an iPod Touch with a jailbreak, etc.

[modernage]

I think one thing we can all agree on is that there are other products, some more similar than others, that can do the same thing for way less money. Whether it's a DS with a flash cart, an iPod Touch with a jailbreak, etc.

See when I first this thread first started I would have agreed with this, but I don't think I can now that I actually read about it on the website. I would automatically count the iPad/Pod out. I would not want to play an emulator on a touch device. I loooove Apple products, and there are some great games for iOS, but I loose interest when it comes to anything other than point-n-click style games. Incorporating a "virtual" touch d-pad, or tilt into games just feels second-rate to an actual controller to me.

The console emulator over at ThinkGeek (they actually have a few) doesn't hold up either. It can only emulate up to 4th Generation consoles, so no PSX or N64. Also, no internet browser (at least no hinting of capabilities), and it can't function like a PC. The touch screen on the one that was linked earlier is pretty cool, but for about the same price I go with a DS. At least then I could play DS games too.

If you're wanting just a console emulator I would go with a DS, but to say that's all the Pandora is would be overlooking a lot. I think Spunc's snarky remark is the most accurate. A laptop would be the only thing that is in the same league as this thing, but a laptop wouldn't be able to fit in your pocket (unless you're wearing JNCOs). Also, the gamer GUI is a pretty cool/nerdy feature on the Pandora too. Plus being able to hook up a screen and a controller for gaming, or a screen and a mouse/keyboard for PC'ing. Also, plus, also you can play PC games with this, without having to port it via homebrew.

With all that being said, if I had that kind of money I would buy an iPad ............... or an Eventide Space... or a Goatkeeper!